SDF denies reports of US pressure and 30-day deadline for integration with Syrian government

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA / ANKARA — Speculation over the relationship between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the United States has intensified following the agreement between SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed on 10 March 2025. Middle East Eye reported that the US and Turkey had allegedly given the SDF a 30-day deadline to finalize their integration with the Syrian government. According to the outlet’s sources, US officials purportedly warned that the US-led International Coalition might not be able to protect the SDF if the Syrian government and Turkey launched a military offensive in the absence of such an agreement.

An SDF source rejected these claims in a statement to North Press Agency, asserting that the United States has not exerted any pressure on the SDF. On the contrary, the source said, the two sides are actively discussing new joint operations. The Middle East Eye reports, the source added, are “fabricated and recycled stories that misrepresent reality and are intended to mislead the public.”

The source reiterated the SDF’s commitment to dialogue and expressed appreciation for the role of international allies and mediators in working toward a final agreement with Damascus.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a warning to the SDF, stating:

“You must give up any plans to cooperate with Israel against Daramsuq (Damascus) and honor the integration agreement with the Syrian government forces. What worries you? Is it turning the Kurds into pawns of Israel?”

Fidan’s comments drew a swift response from Tuncer Bakırhan, Co-Chair of the People’s Equality and Democracy Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party).

“When Hakan Fidan closes his eyes, he thinks everything is night; he imagines the Kurds have disappeared and pretends they do not exist when he says that Kurds have no rights. But he is wrong, and we hope he will open his eyes soon, see the truth, and use language that helps find a solution.”

Addressing Fidan’s stance on Syria and the North and East region, Bakırhan added that, to his knowledge, Fidan is not a member of the Syrian government, and that issuing threats against the administration and people of North and East Syria at every opportunity benefits no one. He cautioned against exploiting the matter for personal gain in a way that undermines a century of shared history.